Often referred to as the Switzerland of Central America, the people of Costa Rica are known for their friendly and peaceful nature.

Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and invested public money in a nationalized health care system and a free mandatory public school system.

Since then, Costa Rica has enjoyed the highest literacy rate, life expectancy, and per capita income in Central America.

After two and a half centuries as a Spanish colony, Costa Rica declared its independence from Spain in 1821. In 1948, President Jose Maria Figueres Ferrer made vast reforms in policy and civil rights. Women and blacks gained the vote, the communist party was banned, banks were nationalized, the military was abolished, and presidential term limits were established.

In 1987, Costa Rican President Oscar Arias Sanchez garnered world recognition when he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in ending the Nicaraguan civil war; he was elected president again for the 2006-2010 term during which he helped pass free trade agreements with the United States and several other countries. Although it still maintains a large agricultural sector, Costa Rica has expanded its economy to include strong technology and tourism industries. In 2010 Costa Rica elected its first woman president, Laura Chinchilla.

Costa Rica has changed from an agriculture-dependent economy to a services-driven economy.

Costa Rica's GDP (gross domestic product) by sector :

• Services : 63.3%
• Industry: 29.1%
• Agriculture:7.6%

Most Common Exports

Mutinational Companies in Costa Rica

• Manufactured goods
• Bananas
• Pineapples
• Coffee
• Melons
• Ornamental plants
• Sugar
• Seafood
• Electronic components
• Medical equipment

Your team can visit the Supreme Court building during your volleyball tour to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is the only country in Central America without a military and, therefore, enjoys continuing stability after a century of almost uninterrupted democratic government with the following structure.